This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet at the Hotel, take a taxi to Sakuradamon
- 9:30 Arrive at Sakuradamon, walk to Nijubashi, Otemon, Tenshudai, and from Kitahanebashimon to Otemachi Station
- 11:40 Arrive at Yushima Station, walk to Shinobazu Pond, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Cemetery, and to the Nippori Station taxi stand
- 13:50 Arrive in front of Asakusa Station, visit Matsuya Department Store, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Sumida River embankment, then to Asakusa Station
- 15:15 Arrive at Asakusa Station, disband in front of the hotel (guests take a taxi to the hotel)
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Yanesen, and Asakusa
Today I guided a group from North America (all former academics) on a private tour of Tokyo. The places we visited were the Imperial Palace, the Yanesen area, and Asakusa.
The guests enjoyed walking and wished to walk as much as possible, so I planned a route with plenty of walking distance. We mainly traveled by taxi, but the guests also wanted to try the Japanese subway, so we took the Chiyoda Line from Otemachi to Yushima.
At the Imperial Palace, in addition to strolling around, the guests asked many questions about the history of Edo Castle and how it transitioned from Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace, which showed their strong interest.
In the Yanesen area, we skipped Yanaka Ginza due to time constraints, but at Nezu Shrine the guests saw the azaleas in full bloom and were deeply impressed. They were delighted to be able to enjoy such beautiful flowers even after the cherry blossom season had ended. They were also surprised by the vastness of Yanaka Cemetery.
In Asakusa, the guests wished to do some shopping, so we stopped by a department store. They were also surprised by how crowded Nakamise Street was.
When it was time to finish in Asakusa, the guests boarded a taxi from in front of the station, and I saw them off before we parted ways.
Today's itinerary involved a long walking distance, but the guests thoroughly enjoyed the vastness of the Imperial Palace, the azaleas at Nezu Shrine, and the solemn atmosphere of Sensoji Temple, and overall they seemed very satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Otemachi (Tokyo)～Yushima | 180JPY |
| Total | 180JPY | ||
Self-Background
During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.